While the Seattle Seahawks originally wanted to interview Darrell Bevell for their quarterbacks coach job, he also will be a candidate for their now-vacant offensive coordinator position, a league source said Wednesday.

Seahawks offensive coordinator candidate Darrell Bevell is well respected for his handling of a tense situation in Minnesota and his hand in developing Packers QB Aaron Rodgers.
(Andrew Weber / US Presswire/)

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll confirmed later in the day that Bevell was interviewing for the offensive coordinator position.

Bevell's experience as the Minnesota Vikings' offensive coordinator, his ability to navigate a difficult situation (with high tension between head coach Brad Childress and star quarterback Brett Favre) and his work with Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay all works in his favor. He also has ties to Seahawks general manager John Schneider.

Furthermore, Bevell has the kind of even-keeled personality to work with newly hired offensive line coach Tom Cable, who's expected to handle much of the run game. The Seahawks' new offensive coordinator will focus on the passing game and quarterbacks.

The Seahawks are in the market for an offensive coordinator after Jeremy Bates was fired Tuesday after one season with the team.

Carroll said Wednesday that Bates' firing was because of a "philosophical issue" and a move into a different direction. He said the hiring of Cable as an assistant head coach in charge of the offensive line will be a return to his philosophy that "got sidetracked" during the season.

Baltimore Ravens assistant Jim Zorn, a longtime player and coach in Seattle, and Atlanta Falcons quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave are among others who could be considered, but it's conceivable the first person interviewed -- Bevell -- will land the job.

The team also announced the hiring of Todd Walsh as defensive line coach Tuesday. Walsh, who was an assistant with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the past four seasons, will replace Dan Quinn, who is heading to the University of Florida to be that program's defensive coordinator.